The Mandate of Heaven: Part 2
War rages across Zhou Dynasty as the former states become kingdoms and set their eyes toward national domination. Ultimately the kingdom of Qin would claim the throne for themselves, thanks in part to the reforms of legalist scholar Shang Yang. After the Qin's collapse, the Han Dynasty would rise from their ashes and rule China for four hundred years. Don't forget to check out the supplemental post for maps, artwork, and a very interesting re-creation of the pigments that originally adorned ...
10 Aug 202018min
The Mandate of Heaven, Part 1
In this episode, the Shang Dynasty falls and the Zhou Dynasty rises to take its place. But being the faction at the top is harder than it looks, and over time the Zhou suffer a gradual decline. However, the political and philosophical ideas which they nurtured continue to influence East Asian thought today.Support the show My latest novel, "Califia's Crusade," is now available at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Apple Books, Bookshop.org, and many other online platforms!
6 Aug 202013min
Bronze, Iron, Metallurgy, and Bells
As bronze and iron implements gradually made their way to Japan from China, they began to transform the culture of the Yayoi people in some very interesting ways. In this episode, we'll explore those changes and the larger effects on the emerging Yayoi polities as well as Japan as a whole.Support the show My latest novel, "Califia's Crusade," is now available at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Apple Books, Bookshop.org, and many other online platforms!
3 Aug 202011min
From Villages to Kingdoms
The early Yayoi period was largely egalitarian, with village leaders being chosen on their own merits. By the end of the period, a strict hierarchy emerged between commoners and a hereditary elite. In this episode, we'll explore the broad strokes of how this change came about, and explore the archaeology that informs our understanding. Support the show My latest novel, "Califia's Crusade," is now available at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Apple Books, Bookshop.org, and many other online ...
30 Jul 202015min
The Yayoi Way
Starting around 1000 BCE, the Yayoi people began emigrating to Japan from the Korean Peninsula. They brought something along with them that would change Japan forever: Rice Agriculture. But did they come as conquerors or friends, and how can we tell?Support the show My latest novel, "Califia's Crusade," is now available at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Apple Books, Bookshop.org, and many other online platforms!
27 Jul 202015min
Season 2 Announcement
Meet the mysterious masked stranger behind the voice, and learn when to expect season 2!Support the show My latest novel, "Califia's Crusade," is now available at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Apple Books, Bookshop.org, and many other online platforms!
9 Jul 20202min
BONUS: Dinosaurs of Japan
In this bonus episode, we'll explore some of the dinosaurs that were native to Japan millions of years before humans even existed!Support the show My latest novel, "Califia's Crusade," is now available at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Apple Books, Bookshop.org, and many other online platforms!
6 Jul 20206min
The Paleolithic Hoax
The story of the biggest hoax in the history of Japanese Archaeology. WARNING: this episode talks about suicide.If you are struggling with suicidal thoughts, call the National Suicide Prevention Hotline: 1-800-273-8255Support the show My latest novel, "Califia's Crusade," is now available at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Apple Books, Bookshop.org, and many other online platforms!
2 Jul 202010min
